Work Text
August 3, 1976. Moira Murray stood biting her lip nervously at the side of the rickety platform, out of the publics view.
“Tabitha, I thought you said I would not have to do this anymore since I got on broadway! I have expressly told you this isn’t what I want to do! Can’t I go get a better job somewhere else?!”
“Nonsense dearie, you need this job. You’re a good actress Moi, I’ll give ya that, but you need to get your name known hun!” The woman said turning to her client, all the while glancing at her locks in Moira’s vanity, fluffing up her own hair to try and hide the grey that was slowly taking over the black, leaving the 22-year old to style her own.“But I played Sally Bowles in Cabaret! Is not that enough to get me a job?” Moira let out a cry of frustration, stamping her heeled foot on the dusty wooden floor.“Apparently not, kid. But listen, these people are rich, or will be soon. Make friends with a couple and they could get you places, bigger than cabaret or anything else I could get you! Just think of that! You’re a born star, and unfortunately I’m not able to do you justice, but they could help you find someone who would. I know being a microwave saleswoman isn’t exactly your dream job, high-and-mighty Miss Murray, but it gets you money, and money is something we both need right now. Moira let out a strangled cry and gritted her teeth.
“ALRIGHT TABBY, I’LL DO IT! What is this even for?” She sighed, rubbing her temples.
“Thanks Moi, you’re a true gem! And to answer your question, it’s the opening of this new store. It’s owned by this guy, Johnathon Rose. Apparently he’s got potential. Plus he’s smart, sexy and only 30! In short, perfect.” She let out breathily.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, Darling Tabitha, but you’re married with 5 kids. Plus you’re 57.” The Actress laughed.“God Dammit! Anyway I was talking about you, pretty girl. Unfortunately he’s dating another girl, but I’m sure after meeting you he won’t be for much longer.” Tabitha winked and shimmed her shoulders, applying more dark purple lipstick to her mouth.“Hahahaha, I can hardly breathe for laughing” Moira rolled her eyes, though she smirked slightly.
“I can’t go out there, what if I make a complete and utter fool of myself and ruin any chance of making ‘friends’ with these people?” She asked, a thousand thoughts washing around her brain.“You won’t Moira, you’ll do brilliantly! Trust me on this.”“If you say so, Tabs” The actress replied, with a doubtful tone in her voice.“That I do, Miss Murray! Now, have you finished getting ready? Great, great! Ooo Moira, it’s time. Good Luck dearie!Moira felt herself being shoved onto the platform, and had to re-adjust her footing, otherwise she would have tumbled forward. The spotlight hurt her eyes, and felt as though it was burning into her soul. Her feet ached and she wanted to sit down. But she knew she couldn’t, so she did the only thing she knew how to do. Act.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Plastering a fake smile on her face, she began.“Hi, I’m Moira Murray! You may know me from Cabaret:The Musical as I was cast as the lead role (Sally Bowles) a few years ago. I am pleased to say my team and I fully endorse O’Hara Microwaves. Look how easy it is for me to heat something up remarkably quickly if I’m late to an acting job (though of course I never am!)”Fake laugh Moira, Fake Laugh.They fake laugh too.Returning to her spiel, she continued.She did a demonstration of how it worked and answered a few basic and probably pre-meditated questions about how it it functioned and such. The makeup on her skin was like a casing and she just wanted to wash it off. She wanted to cry. ‘Is this what my life has become?” She thought.No, stop being silly Moira, pull yourself together! She told herself. Hollywood doesn’t favour the weak-minded, and weak-minded she was not.She stood on the platform for what seemed like hours, her fake smile never dropping. She felt like a glass at the edge of a table. On the verge of shattering into a million pieces. Was life just a fever dream? She thought, the first hour into her ‘endorsement’. Because at this point she wished to just wake up. Some point in the night Tabitha told her she could leave if she wanted to, although she could stay and have free drinks if she chose. Even though she wanted her bed, Moira Murray would never turn away from the chance of free drinks.“Moira! Moira! Over here babes!” Her head whipped around and she walked over to the woman. “Yes? Is there anything I can do for you Miss…?”
“Oh you can just call me Victoria! Anyway back to the point, my friend John Mellencamp over there- Mhhh you know him, oh good! Well he asked me whether you would be interested in coming over to ‘talk’ with him” Victoria finished, raising her eyebrows suggestively and throwing our young Miss Murray a rather knowing look.“Why not, I suppose!” Moira replied, locking eyes with John Mellencamp from across the club. Moving towards her target, she glided across the room, never breaking eye contact. Except for when she noticed a thick pair of fluffy, dark eyebrows dancing around the room, who seemed to be the one getting his friends drinks at the bar.“Victoria, who’s the eyebrows buying all the drinks this fine evening?” Moira asked, for this mystery man seemed incredibly attractive. Maybe she’d get his number later, after ‘dealing’ with Mr Mellencamp.Victoria seemed to find this extraordinarily funny, since she let out a high-pitched squawk that made her sound like a disgruntled pelican. “You really don’t know, Moira? Why, he’s only THE Jonathon Rose! He owns Rose Video! It’s his event! No?! Still
No?!” She let out an exasperated sigh.“Sorry Victoria, my memory’s horrible!” She laughed.
“No worries! Hey, do you want me to introduce you really quickly?” Victoria Asked.
Moira was just about to reply when she noticed a blonde, tall, curvy woman on Mr. Rose’ arm. Why couldn’t she look like that woman?! Why couldn’t she BE her?!Hang on. That’s odd. she’d never wanted to be someone else in her entire life. How peculiar. Scowling for some unknown reason, she replied “No thank you, Victoria. Although I’m sure it would have been an entirely pleasant affair, I’m sure you have not failed to notice I may be needed elsewhere.” Moira said, with so much iciness in her
voice it could pierce through the heart of a diamond.All Victoria could do was blush and nod.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Victoria left a short while after their conversation, leaving Moira alone with John Mellencamp. He seemed nice enough, but she knew his intentions. She only focused on what he was saying when he asked her whether she’d like to go into a corner to ‘chat’ some more. Nodding blindly, she finished her 6th glass of champagne and followed him into a quieter part of the club.
“So, you act, huh?” He whispered softly in her ear.
“Yeah, I do. Its what I’ve always wanted to be!” She giggled.
“You’re cute, sweetie. Do you wanna get out of here? You could stay in my apartment, I don’t mind” He brushed his lips softly against her neck.
“Let’s just stay here for a moment, no one can see us, don’t worry.” She replied.
“Your call, gorgeous.” John smirked.
Moving his way up to her lips, he pulled her into a fiery embrace.She saw Mr Rose’ beautiful partner making her way towards them from across the room and pushed John away from her. After all, he was married, and it wouldn’t be a good look for either of them. Making her self scarce and trying to hide the bite marks on her neck, she beamed at the woman.“Hello, my name’s Alice Robson and I just wanted to thank you for attending my partner’s opening event this evening. I’m leaving at the moment but Johnathon will be staying a little while longer and I’m sure he will be over to introduce himself soon. Well, I hope you both have fun.” She was smiling but the sneer was evident in her voice, particularly near the end of her speech. Moira wanted to slap that smile off her stupid face.“Well, thank you Amanda! I can assure you it has been a extremely pleasant evening.” Moira silently rolled her eyes.
“It’s Alice actually. And I’m sure it has for you, Miss Murray.” She said, with a spiteful gleam in her hazel eyes.
“And, Pray tell, what’s that supposed to mean, Miss Robson?” Moira asked defensively.
“Oh, you know… Anyway with any luck I might be Mrs Rose soon! Ta Ta now.” She blew a kiss.“Are you leaving now, Dear?” Called a voice. A voice belonging to a Mr Jonathon Rose. Their eyes met. He smiled at Moira. He took hold of his girlfriend’s waist. He smiled at Alice too. “Oh Hello John! No Priscilla tonight? What a shame!” He pulled the musician into a strong hug.
“Uh, no. Not tonight. She wanted to spend some time with Michelle, but said I could still come.” He awkwardly replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
“What a pity! Are you both enjoying the opening? By the way, I’m Jonathan Rose, for I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” He grinned at Moira, shaking her hand enthusiastically.
“Very much so, Mr Rose. I’m Moira Murray, I was the Microwave saleswoman this evening, though I am an actress.” She laughed.
“Of course!” He slapped a hand to his forehead rather comically.
“Hey handsome, I think we should leave these two alone. They were rather busy before we interrupted them, if you catch my drift.” Alice told her boyfriend, sounding ever so slightly malicious.Johnny eyes grew roughly 10 sizes and his eyebrows nearly flew off his head. Moira had to fight the urge to collapse on the floor, and she could feel her ribs vibrating. She just hope no one noticed.
“Oh I’m so sorry! We’ll leave you alone Moira, John- So, so sorry! Is that why Priscilla didn’t come? God, that was impertinent! I’ll leave you be. Moira, John.” He nodded her head at both of them and dashed away, glancing back at them both. Moira could detect a definite blush on his face. Stop it Moira! He doesn’t like you like that! However, Mr Mellencamp certainly did. After John left, she returned to the bar and was surprised to find herself sitting next to the host. The next moment would change her life forever.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Moira took a seat at the Mudd Club’s bar, a rather high-end place. This was probably the only time she’d ever get a chance to look at a place like this, let alone get a drink at the bar! The loud buzz of chatter filled her ears as she ordered a rum and coke from the gorgeous woman who just happened to also be the bartender. Sipping her drink eagerly, she spied the evening’s host out of the corner of her eye, who was pushing his way towards the bar.“Hi!” He gasped, gulping in the air that was thick with cigarette smoke. He hadn’t noticed Moira yet.
“What can I get you, Sir?” The bartender asked, pouring a tequila for Moira since she’d already finished her rum and coke. “Uh, 3 gin and tonics, a whiskey, 2 cognac and 4 rum and Cokes. Thanks.” He asked, constantly looking over to his friends who kept making wild hand gestures to random people. “Oh, and a soda water for me, please.” He finished.“YOU’RE HAVING A SODA WATER?!” Moira shrieked, he mouth agape.
“Yes, why?” He asked, sounding a little confused and slightly indignant.
“But-but…..You’re the host! You’re allowed to drink at your own event, surely!” She laughed rather tipsily.
“Well, I suppose so, but Alice used up the money in my wallet while shopping so I had to drive tonight.” He told her in an annoyed tone.
“What an EVIL BITCH” She replied with force.
“No, No! She is not, so please don’t talk about her in that way.”
“Fine, but it’s true! She was awfully rude to me earlier, you’d think I was a retched sea slug!” She snapped.
“I’m so sorry she was rude to you earlier. It’s just we’re going through a rough patch at the moment and she might have felt threatened-“
“Well it mustn't be too bad considering you just got engaged!” She chuckled bitterly.
“Wha-What?! We’re not engaged! We’ve never been engaged!” His voice became an octave higher and his eyes practically popped out his head.
“Well, that’s what she’s been telling everyone, Darling.” She was handed another shot of tequila.
“Ah- ha-huh?!” He slumped into the seat next to hers.
“Just breathe, it’s clearly been a long day and a very stressful one at that. Here, take a sip of your soda water.” She handed him his glass then drained her 5th shot.
“Moira?”
“Hmmmh, Jonathan?”
“Why were you with John if you knew he was married?” He asked, his tone soft but serious.
“I don’t know Jonathan, I honestly don’t. I’m lonely. I have no family and very few friends. I gave my whole life up to act, but now instead of being Sally Bowles, I’m a microwave saleswoman.” She chuckled, sniffing loudly and pouring the burning liquor down her throat.
“Hey, it seems like it’s been a long day for you too. We all make mistakes, we learn, we grow and we just have to try and make sure it doesn’t’ happen again. Don’t forget there’s a kid involved, I don’t want her family being ruined. They’re good people who want the best for her. You seem like a good person too, you put on an act, but care about people; you just sometimes struggle showing it.” He smiled warmly and placed his hand on top of hers, squeezing it gently.“Thank you Jonathan . That means a lot to me, you know.” She beamed at him and kissed his cheek, making him go as red as beetroot; causing Moira to almost topple off her stool laughing. Luckily he caught her in time, holding her waist and chuckling silently.She gazed into his twinkling brown eyes, and she was sure she was blushing just as furiously as he was. She could get lost in those eyes forever.
Stop it, stop it, stop it! They could never like you like that, don’t be stupid. They’re too good for you! Little did she know, he was thinking the exact same thing about her. “You know, you don’t seem like a Jonathan to me. It’s just….not you; not really. You seem like more of a Johnny to me. So, it’s settled then! From this day forward, I christen you Johnny Something Rose!” She proclaimed loudly.
“First of all, my middle name’s Eugene. Secondly, there’s a slight problem with that Moira, since I’m Jewish.” He barely got the last words out he was wheezing so much. It was at that point Moira remembered something. Something important. Oh fuck. She didn’t have a ride home. At all. She was supposed to be going home with Tabitha but she left hours ago. Victoria too. “Hey Johnny?” “Yes, Moira?” “Can I get a ride home?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The cool breeze hit Moira’s bare shoulders as she stepped outside. Shivering, she turned to Johnny,
“Is your vehicle far? For I am rather cold Mr Rose.” She said, teeth chattering.
“Oh, sorry Moira! Its not too far, just up this road here.” Johnny replied apologetically, pointing towards a dark outline of what Moira presumed to be his car.
“Are you cold?” He asked, seeing her shiver.
“No Johnny, I’m fine.” Her voice just a thin whisper. The fact that Moira’s whispered is odd, at least in Johnny’s mind; But then again, he’s only met her tonight. It could just be that the alcohol had taken hold of her senses, he thought to himself. “The car’s THIS way Moira!” He called, his voice raised. She was tottering over to the wrong car entirely and banging loudly on the windows.
“Dear god” Johnny thought aloud, running to pull her away before they got into serious trouble.“What are you talking about John-John? This is your car!” She practically bellowed, her words slurred.
“No, Sweetheart, it’s over here! See?” He replied gently, not even noticing what he called her.
“Sweetheart? I like that Johnny.” Moira’s face lit up.
Johnny blinked in alarm. “Sorry Moira! It- It just slipped out! I- I- Sorry.” He said hastily, stuttering over his words and not daring to look into her eyes.Moira giggled and slipped her arm into his as he pulled her closer to his car.Johnny felt secretly rather pleased with this, though of course he wouldn’t admit it to himself.“You’re only letting her link arms with you so she doesn’t wander off again. There’s no other reason, and it’s a perfectly natural thing for friends to do.” He thought to himself, trying to justify his actions. She’s got gorgeous eyes. So blue. This is normal right? To think about how beautiful a friend’s eyes are? How beautiful the friend is in general…… Perfectly normal. She tumbled inside the door, half-slipping off the car seat. Johnny managed to grab her just in time, holding her tiny waist in his arms. They fit perfectly together, like the final piece of a puzzle. It’s just because you’re tired, that’s why you’re thinking these things, he told himself.“Why’re you blushing?” She asked, a little sleepily. He got in the drivers seat and turned on the engine, trying to ignore the question for as long as possible.
“No reason”
“There is! Tell me, tell me, tell me!” She said, laughing and pummelling his arms lightly. Maybe she wasn’t as sleepy as he thought.
“It’s nothing, honest!’ He answered. She raised her eyebrows but made no further comment.“Ouch!” She whimpered softly.
“What?! Is something wrong?”
“Nothing John, it’s just these GOD AWFUL heals will be the death of me!” She cried dramatically.
“Well then take them off, I don’t mind.”
“No.”
“Just do it! No one will see, and if they do they won’t care either!”
“No!” She said stubbornly.
“Moira, if they’re causing you pain you should take them off!”
“But they look so pretty on me!” She wailed.
“Moira” He said, using his ‘father tone’ as his friends called it.
“BUT JOHNNY!”
They glared at each other playfully.“FINE” She said stubbornly as Johnny pulled out onto the road. They had been far too quiet and she didn’t like it much. Kicking off her heels and resting her feet on the dashboard, she turned on the radio. The Carpenters ‘Superstar’ came blaring out. Johnny turned it down to a quieter level before turning back to the road. “Don’t you remember, you told me you love me, baby?” Came a soft but sweet voice next to him. He turned his head. Moira was sitting with her feet on the dashboard, her head drooping into her chest as she sang dreamily away, smiling happily. He smiled too and began to sing “You said you’d be coming back this way again, baby!”
She raised her head in surprise. “I wouldn’t thought you’d like The Carpenters!”
“Just because I’m a man it doesn’t mean I can’t like The Carpenters.” He said in mock hurt.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it Mr Rose!” She chuckled loudly.
He laughed heartily with her.
“So where are you from, Johnny? Have I found a fellow Canadian?” She smirked cheekily.
“YOU’RE FROM CANADA TOO?!” He shrieked excitedly. “Which part are you from?”
“Oh I’m from a small town in Ontario! You know, in Toronto.”
“REALLY, I GREW UP IN ONTARIO TOO!” He practically squealed.
“Well, you learn something new everyday!” She grinned. “Careful Johnny, you’ll crash the car in a minute!” A concerned Moira added.
He flashed an apologetic smile at his companion.
“Moira, what’s your address? I forgot to ask.”
“I’m in the giant block of flats on Strefford Street, flat 19.” Miss Murray murmured.
“Okey-Dokey!”
“Johnny?”
“Mhhh?”
“Never say that phrase in my company again please.” The Actress mumbled, a smirk playing on her lips.
They laughed together as the rain battered the car roof, the bright moon looking down at them from the night sky above.